Related Articles

The remote control unit for a garage door opener works by transmitting a radio signal to the unit inside the garage. Anyone who is familiar with automatic openers may realize the remote doesn’t activate the door until you get within a certain range. If the battery is weak, the remote may not work unless you're extremely close to the opener. Improve the performance of an opener and increase the range by adding an antenna extension that you can buy online or at electronics outlets.

Place a stepladder at the area of the garage door opener. Depress the tabs on the underside of the cover at the back of the unit and remove the cover to expose the antenna connection.

Loosen the screw that attaches the small wire antenna at the unit and pull off the wire. Attach the wire at one end of the antenna extension to the screw and tighten the screw.

Reposition the ladder, as necessary, to run the antenna wire along the ceiling of the garage or the underside of an exposed ceiling joist toward the front of the garage. Fasten the antenna wire every 12 inches with insulated wire staples and a hammer.

Attach the long stem of the provided antenna bracket at the ceiling or underside of a joist with the provided screws. Screw the end of the antenna wire into one side of the provided connection coupler at the bracket. Screw the base of the provided antenna into the opposite end of the coupler.

Remove the back of the remote control unit. Depending on the style, slide off the back or remove a keeper screw. Install a new battery of the same type, such as AA or AAA, in the remote and reattach the back.

Things You Will Need

Stepladder

Screwdriver

Antenna extension kit

Insulated wire staples

Light hammer

AA or AAA battery

Tip

Clip the remote control onto a sun visor in the vehicle instead of a metal ash tray or metal dash board that can obstruct the signal.

Before installing the extension kit, move any metallic objects that may obstruct the signal between the remote control unit and the opener and test the effectiveness of the remote in normal circumstances.

About the Author

William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College.